A group of Israeli youngsters are putting the politics of their parents and leaders aside and galvanizing to collect life-saving winter supplies for the freezing Syrian refugees of the region. Dubbed Operation Human Warmth, the drive is being spearheaded by the Israeli youth organizations Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed in conjunction with the social and education organization Dror-Israel, as well as Israeli Flying Aid, the Israeli global humanitarian organization that was among the first on the ground in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.

The drive, which began on January 1, 2014 and will continue through the 10th, is focused on collecting life-saving, emergency supplies to help refugees displaced by the Syrian crisis survive the increasingly bitter winter as the bloody conflict in their country shows no signs of abating. Winter coats, blankets and sleeping bags are among the most crucially needed items and those that Israeli citizens can easily donate.

Fifteen collection points have been set up across the country, and once the drive is completed, the goods will be transferred to Flying Aid storage sites and then distributed to the refugees through various channels.